Thiruvanthapuram is the southern most district of Kerala, Which is bounded by Kollam district on the North, Thirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts of Tamil Nadu State on the East and the South respectively and the Arabian sea on the West.

          The total area of the district is 2192 Sq.Kms. There are four Taluks viz. Chirayinkeezh, Nedumangad, Thiruvananthapuram and Neyyattinkara. Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, Varkala, Attingal, Nedumangad and Neyyattinkara Municipal towns are the urban centres in the district. There are 84 Panchayats in the district. The total population of the district as per 2001 Census is 32,34,707 and it has a high literacy rate of 89.36%.
Thiruvananthapuram the State Capital is facilitated by ample Air, Rail and Road transportation. It is believed that the city is named as “Thiruvananthapuram” because of the famous temple of “Lord Sree Padmanabha” situated in the heart of the city where the idol in Anantha sayanam of Lord Sree Padmanabha.

          Thiruvananthapuram is a beautiful city adorned with both ancient and modern styles of architecture like ancient temples, Palaces, Churches, Mosques, Statues and memorials, several buildings of Colleges, Hospitals, Factories, Public Offices etc. are also gathered in and around the city. The East fort and its neighbourhood constitutes the most crowded part of the city. The Secretariat buildings, the Legislature complex, the Victoria Jubilee Town Hall, the Senate Hall, The Legislators Hostel, Vikasbhavan, Tagore Centenary Hall, Public Office buildings, Kanakakunnu Palace, Raj Bhavan, The Kowdiyar Palace, the Residency Buildings and the Ayurveda College are only a few of the imposing structures that adorn the city. The Thiruvananthapuram Museum and Zoo, the Srichitralayam and Observatory are the major attractions of the city and they are visited by thousands of people everyday. Above all the “Kovalam International Beach” which is visited by hundreds of tourists from all countries everyday adds a golden feather on the cap of the calm and beautiful city of Thiruvananthapuram.

          Thiruvananthapuram city is also facilitated with a well equipped Medical College and Sree Chitra Medical Institution. Thiruvananthapuram Public Library established in 1829 is one of the oldest libraries in India. The college of Fine Arts is also a notable institution. Another attraction of the city is the ‘Sanghumugham’ beach. The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and the Travancore Titanium Products are also situated around the city. The central Prison at Poojapura which is one of the largest prison in Kerala is situated very near to the Thiruvananthapuram city. The All India Radio Station located in Bhaktivilas at Vazhuthacaud, the Doordarasan Kendra at Kudappanakunnu are also attraction of the Thiruvananthapuram city.

          Another important institution in Thiruvananthapuram is the Equatorial Rocket Launching Station at Thumba where the equator passes through at 0o Latitude.

          This publication brings out a clear picture of basic infrastructures of Thiruvananthapuram district. Taking into account the importance of decentralised planning, this publication brings out the Panchayat wise details of consolidated data on the levels of physical and social infrastructure facilities available in 84 Panchayats of Thiruvananthapuram district.

          Suggestions for improvements of this publication are most welcome. I hope that this publication would be of considerable use to the Planners and others interested in the subject of decentralised planning.